Julie has enjoyed running as a form of exercise for the last 20 years. In 2015, she decided to pursue a running opportunity through Grand Rapids Running Tours which involved weekly runs with a group of runners in downtown Grand Rapids. Through the group, she met Eva Reiter (now Jansen) and Brandy Villarreal. Eva and Brandy both worked at GE Aviation, which is where Jeff also worked at the time.

Eva and Julie went out to dinner late in 2015 and Eva told Julie that she had a co-worker who she thought Julie could meet. Julie was up for it and Eva said she was planning to gather a group of people for an outing in early 2016 and would include Jeff and Julie. In the meantime, Eva provided Julie with Jeff's Match.com profile, so she could investigate his background beforehand. Meanwhile, Jeff said he would be up for the group outing, but Eva did not provide any additional info to Jeff beyond saying it would be a fun group event!

February 2016 came and the group outing was planned to attend "80's Night" at The Intersection, which is a small concert venue downtown Grand Rapids. The event was planned for February 13 (i.e. the day before Valentine's Day). Jeff and Julie were both on board with attending. Jeff wore a "Saved by the Bell" T-shirt and Julie had pegged pants, an oversized crewneck sweatshirt tied at the hips, and a scrunchie in her hair.

Unfortunately, Brandy had a last minute illness in her family and couldn't get away, so Eva took over as chief matchmaker for the night. Before the event, the group met at Founders Brewery for a drink where Jeff and Julie met for the first time. When it came time for the concert, the group walked over to The Intersection for the event. The concert was fun with lots of dancing and singing to much loved 80s music. Eva was a master matchmaker, taking many opportunities to talk with friends or take a bathroom break while leaving Jeff and Julie on their own. Julie perked Jeff's interest as they were talking over the music and having a blast!

When the evening ended, Jeff, like the true gentleman he is, took coat check tickets from Julie and Eva and dealt with the crowd (and a grumpy attendant behind the counter) to retrieve coats for the ladies. Everyone said their "Goodbyes" and Julie drove Eva home and then drove home to her own apartment. Jeff drove home and texted Eva to ask for Julie's phone number as he "wanted to make sure Julie got home safe." He texted Julie to make sure she got home safe and to say he had a great night. There began Julie's butterflies for the new connection she felt with Jeff.

Jeff went to work the following Monday and re-capped the weekend with Eva and Brandy. Jeff was intrigued by Julie and asked Eva and Brandy what Julie's "story" was. Eva and Brandy told him more about Julie. Then, he asked if they thought Julie would go out on a date with him. They said "Yes" and encouraged him to ask! Meanwhile, Eva texted Julie to say she was going to get a call from Jeff with an ask to go out on a date! Julie was so excited!

A short time later, Jeff thought to himself "this was super easy" and he realized the whole thing was a matchmaking set up! He said later that it was better that way as he wasn't nervous and his interest was very authentic!

Jeff and Julie went on their first date to Grand Rapids Brewing Company. They sat at the bar and had drinks and talked. Julie thought it went well. Jeff did, too, however he thought Julie was a little quiet! A few dates later and Jeff decided he would surprise Julie with a date to The Pyramid Scheme where they could play pinball. The idea was a smashing success - Julie's personality came out and interest in each other continued.

Our relationship developed from there and it really didn't take long before we were traveling together, meeting each other's families, and continuing to get to know each other. 9 years and many life's ups and downs since and our love is deep and stronger than ever!

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